Tumors are Miracles Too

Tumors are tragedies that happen in other people's families, shaking them up and setting their world spinning in a different direction. Not in our family. Not to us.

A year ago, my nephew, Shimon started having headaches. My sister-in law took the six year old to every kind of doctor -- the eye doctor, the dentist; they even did cat scans of his little head and found nothing. But the headaches persisted and escalated. A week ago, the headaches became unbearable. Another cat scan revealed a tumor in his brain.

A tumor? In his brain?!

The news was shocking for us all. A tumor is a frightening thing and the brain is a crucial organ. And a six year old... little dimpled faced Shimon with his dancing chocolaty eyes and deliciously wild imagination...

I spent the first few hours crying, the words just turning over and over in my head – tumor, brain, tumor, brain. How did a tumor get into his brain?! Why did his brain cells suddenly decide to do something different than the rest of his body, something different than the rest of the worlds' brains? Suddenly, I was struck with awe. God really can do miracles. I had never thought of a tumor as a miracle before, in all of its havoc-wreaking glory. A tumor turns lives inside out, but can it inspire like a purple-pink sunrise or the birth of a baby?

I had never thought of a tumor as a miracle before, in all of its havoc-wreaking glory.

Those physiology textbook pages started reappearing in my head, playing me words like suppressor genes, cell division, and neoplasm. The concept slowly began to dawn on me that just like the brain in itself is a marvelous testimony that there is a God that has fashioned man, so is the extraordinary disturbance of its usually perfect homeostasis. I know what I learned in college Physiology and Pathology; I know that there are many logical theories and scientific explanations for sudden disruptions in the division of cells. But bottom line is: who decides? Who decided that Shimon's brain is going to change its course from the norm?

Only the same God that decided that my brain is going to keep on functioning as it has been until now. And if God can design a beautiful, complex brain and even have the ability to orchestrate the growth of a tumor within that invention, then that very same God has the ability to cure that tumor.

On the day that I received the difficult news, a strange thing happened to me. Every time I sat down to ruminate about the seriousness of my nephew's situation, another person approached me to pour out their heart about their worries. People I didn't really know. First there was the bride at the eye doctor's office. She is a few years older than me, but married only a month and a half. I asked her how it felt to be a newlywed and her eyes told me that she needed to talk. And she did. We discussed, I listened; she cried, I advised. For an hour, I completely forgot about my own fresh worries and let myself feel someone else's struggles.

A couple hours later I closed my eyes and leaned my head against the window of the bus. I needed a few minutes of sleep to make it through the rest of the day, but thoughts of my precious nephew spiraled through my head, warding off slumber. An unfamiliar voice spoke to me as though we were mid-conversation.

"Can I ask for your advice?"

The woman sitting next to me began to relay her worries about the cysts growing in her uterus and the pain it is causing her in her pregnancy. She needed someone to listen to her, so I did. Once again, I was barred from the leisure of wallowing in my own troubles.

These acts of kindness felt far more productive than the self-pity and worry that comes so naturally.

Arriving at home, I was greeted with the phone ringing. An old friend in a new complicated life situation, needing a listening ear. The idea was beginning to set in. God was giving me a gift -- a practical way to actually help my nephew's situation. It is not common for my day to be comprised of a steady chain of opportunities to give my ear and heart to others. But these acts of kindness were my way of adding merits to our family's scale. This was my chance to tip things to our benefit. This feels so far more productive than the self-pitying and useless worrying that comes so naturally.

The past week has been a whirlwind of telephone calls, emails and 'Twittering' between family members. My parents and my four siblings and I have been brainstorming and networking to do our part in bringing about Shimon's cure. Charity is being given in his merit. People are learning the laws of proper speech to propel improvement. My other sister-in-law divided up the book of Psalms between 30 family members, assigning us each a few chapters to say every day. Uttering the ancient words of King David's Psalms is known to have astonishing effects in even the direst situations. As a family, we are now saying the entire book every day. Forty women in Israel and the U.S. are praying for Shimon while making challah for shabbos.

Chain emails were sent out, we are begging, we are pleading. We turn to God through prayer, and through connecting to God, we inculcate into our hearts the truth that God is the Healer of all men, He is running this show. The more people realize it, the closer Shimon is to treatment success.

Surgery is scheduled for Monday, August 10th. The top surgeon was found, the method of treatment is carefully being planned. But the ultimate outcome will be decided by One Almighty factor.

Please, take a moment to feel the apprehension of the parents of a six-year-old child. Let yourself feel the weight of this upcoming surgery and its effect on my nephew's life. Please keep my nephew in your prayers, and that God should show us His incredible healing powers.

I appreciate everyone's concern about my nephew and am so happy to report that he is doing miraculously well! The surgery was very successful, the biopsy showed a very, very benign tumor. Recovery from brain surgery is no easy deal but within a few weeks, my determined nephew was living no differently than anyone else his age! He started school on time with his class and is reading and writing and learning Torah!

Thank you for this beautiful story of faith. I am on my own jurney and I am deterined to live and have a full happy health life again soon. I have many praying for me but I can always use more praying. I will Live because I believe.Love to all Carla May

(54)
Nick,
June 3, 2012 3:38 AM

I sure hope he is doing well. Mother has stage 4 lung cancer that is now all over her brain.

(53)
Eli,
August 31, 2010 3:10 AM

I know what you are all going through and I pray and hope that the Lord will heal little Shimon completely. Shalom to all of you!

I know what you are all going through as my daughter (herself mother of 3 little children) was also diagnosed with a large brain cyst in a very delicate area of her brain that is probably inoperable. Please pray also for her that our Lord in Heaven will heal her as well. Shalom!

(52)
Tami Goodman,
April 12, 2010 3:17 PM

My 8 yr. old hero, Sarah, also had a brain tumor

I have had a similiar experience. My daughter was diagnosed w/a brain tumor in her brain stem last April. Through constant prayer and allowing ourselves to be led, G-d directed us to the correct surgeon. This surgeon allowed G-d to work through his hands and this tremendously dangerous surgery was a complete success in June, only 2 months after her diagnosis. The long road of recovery is afoot. Her left arm and leg was severly weakened & right eye was damaged. Our faith has given us the strength to persevere, and Sarah has an indominable spirit. Going back to school also has helped her spirit blossom. The other kids elevated her soul and has enabled Sarah to create miracles in her progress every day. Its been almost a year since our journey has begun and I suppose we are all feeling a bit of post traumatic stress disorder, but we are all on the mend. We keep moving forward, and never give up, never surrender. Keep the faith, and trust in the Lord no matter what. Sarah will be 100% one day, I just know it!

(51)
e. m. lefrak,
September 23, 2009 11:54 AM

progress?

How is your nephew doing?

(50)
Joey,
September 8, 2009 6:31 PM

Thank you for this wonderful and poignant article. I pray that Shimon's surgery went well and that God continues to bless all for the best!

(49)
Anonymous,
August 26, 2009 10:03 PM

My prayers are with Shimon and his family. May God bless all of you!

(48)
Sarah Leah Stark,
August 14, 2009 12:47 PM

A huge inspiration for ALL who are fortunate enough to read this. May Azriel's refua be speedy. Shabbot Shalom

(47)
Anonymous,
August 14, 2009 2:44 AM

ouur prayers are with Shimon and his family.

Our prayers are with Shimon and his family.

(46)
Jacqueline F,
August 14, 2009 1:41 AM

My 8 year old son had a tumor in his skull earlier this year.

I can't even begin to imagine your stress. My eldest son had a tumor inside his skull. We were devistated and even more so, when the pathology couldn't determine for over a month if it was cancerous or not. All went well and he is healing very well, thank God. A day doesn't go by that I don't marvel in the miraculous gift of his life and that of all of my loved ones. I wish Shimon a full and speedy recovery and your family the strength you all need to help him.

(45)
Ayala (Hindi) Gordesky,
August 13, 2009 8:59 PM

Our tefillot are with you guys

We've been davening up a storm for him. Your Moms' emails have been really amazing and have helped strengthen all of us . I'm so glad that the surgery went okay and that the doctors are positive although I wasn't surprised when I read that update.

(44)
Anonymous,
August 13, 2009 6:35 PM

update?

Please do let us know how Shimon is doing now that the surgery is over. We will continue to pray for his full recovery!

(43)
Anonymous,
August 13, 2009 8:04 AM

How is Shimon doing? Please post progress!

We continue to pray for his full recovery. The next few days are hard, but children are incredibly resiliant. We were out of the hospital a week after brain surgery. Biopsy results take longer...
G-d willing we will hear good news.

(42)
Cheryl M,
August 10, 2009 10:03 PM

My prayer for the next miracle

I too echo Malkah in asking the full name of Shmuel and his mother, that I might pray he has a Refuah Shlemah. We cannot know G-d's will, but His compassion is boundless. You are all in my brachot!

(41)
Anonymous,
August 10, 2009 8:29 PM

add my prayer,please..

Be strong and of good courage, and may lShimon be successfully healed..I am going to pray for him to have a successful operation..

(40)
Batya,
August 10, 2009 5:16 PM

While Ahuva (15) is correct that we should do tefilla, give tzedakah before a tragedy occurs, she is 100% wrong that the daily rising of the sun is not a miracle. Of course it is! Hashem wills the sun to rise... and it is. Just because it is not "unexpected" doesn't make it any less of a miracle.
So, too, with tumors, with cancer. It is a humbling experience to be thrust into the midst of a personal catastrophe and look at it from the other side. It is one of His ways of making us look at His creations--the ones we consider good AND the ones we consider bad--and say "thank you G-d for this opportunity to see You in everything." We don't know what His will is for us, or why little Shimon has a brain tumor, why my sister has an incurable cancer, why some win the lottery and why some live in poverty, why the Holocaust occurred, why marriages break up, or why the sun rises daily. This is too large, too far beyond human comprehension.
When we do have the opportunity to "reframe" the horrific, the unthinkable, of course we must turn to Hashem and recognize all of his works. Ahuva said it is "sad to detract from the seriousness of the child's potential prognosis to call the tumor a miracle." Dear Ahuva, dear friends, it doesn't detract from the illness. Rather, it is proper to recognize the hand of G-d in EVERYTHING. The tumor is a miracle, the life of this child is a miracle, the emotions we feel are miracles, the wisdom of healing given to the doctors is miraculous. The pain, the fear, the helplessness are all miracles, too.
Rivka Zahava, you go on counting your miracles. May each moment you have to feel G-d's presence in your life be a blessing and a refuah to your nephew. And let us all look at the world through G-d colored glasses.

(39)
Beverly Kurtin,
August 10, 2009 3:40 PM

In mercy, so shall he be healed

Today is the day of the operation and I have a feeling that all will be well. I, too, had tumors as a child. I awoke with blood flowing out of my nose running fill-tilt. As I had a full and total recovery, so should it be with Shimon.

(38)
Anonymous,
August 10, 2009 3:11 PM

Refuah Shelemah

My son is also 6 years old and I will also pray to Hashem for a refuah shelemah for Shimon ben Batsheva. I will be giving both my children extra hugs tonight in celebration of the blessing of their good health. May the surgery today go well and be the beginning of a complete and speedy recovery.

(37)
Eva Hermansson,
August 10, 2009 1:50 PM

Ooh, so moving! I also will pray for Shimon.

(36)
Anonymous,
August 10, 2009 1:28 PM

You Need THIS Book!

See http://itsmycrisisandillcryifineedto.blogspot.com/

(35)
Malka,
August 10, 2009 11:59 AM

Dear Rivka,
Thank you for your sincerity and emunah in this inspiring article. What is Shimon's full name and his mother's name, so that we can pray for him to have a Refuah Shlema.

(34)
Fanny,
August 10, 2009 9:14 AM

G-d be with you throughout these times...

I am thinking in your nephew and sending him good wishes for a speedy recovery. Its very hard to understand why things happen in life...life is a test...may you pass this one with flying colors!!!

(33)
Eran,
August 10, 2009 8:36 AM

I'm sure that every one reading this would pray for Shimon

I'm sure that every one reading this would pray for Shimon

(32)
Do Lern Hwei,
August 10, 2009 8:08 AM

Will pray for little Shimon

Thanks for sharing. I will certainly pray for your nephew. I believe that G_d had the power to heal him. May
He grant peace to you and your family as you seek treatment for Shimon. I have a pituitary adenoma (a type of brain tumour). Doctors discovered it when I was 15 years old. I am now 41. The tumour has been present but it did not cause any pain or physical condition though it is pressing against my optic chiasmata. A recent scan showed that it has shrunk. G-d does heal!

(31)
Robyn,
August 10, 2009 6:38 AM

Dear Rivka,
I can truly empathize with what your family is experiencing and my heart goes out to you.My family and I experienced the same torture when my now 15 yr old daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She was seven at the time. I took her to numerous pediatricians who all pronounced her intractable headaches as much more benign conditions, treating and speaking to me as if I were a neurotic Jewish mother. We thank Hashem every single day that I persisted, despite being told it was "allergies", "stress" (she was in second grade-stress,really!) malingering, etc. I trusted my intuition and my nursing education and found the best, world reknowned pediatric neurosurgeon in Dr. Moises Danielpour at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. He performed emergency surgery on a difficult to reach congenital growth in the center of my child's brain.
I'm happy to report that eight years later, my daughter is literally a gifted, brilliant, straight A high school student, who is kind, sensitive, and caring. She is sweet, and respectful with wonderful Jewish values. Thankfully, she has no recollection of her ordeal, the surgery or the 2 weeks she spent in the pediatric ICU.
We thank Hashem daily for allowing her condition to be diagnosed in time, and to be successfully treated. During her recuperation, we learned that had her condition not been diagnosed when it did and surgery postponed any longer, it would have impinged on vital centers and caused her death.
Rivka, I genuinely wish you and your family the best. Entrust Shimon to Hashem's care. He will recover fully.
Shimon will be in our thoughts and prayers.

(30)
Kathy,
August 10, 2009 3:43 AM

I have prayed and will pray for your nephew and the whole family. Thank you for the article. It comforted me as my own daughter may be having some problems with her pregnancy. (Tests will reveal more this week). Thank you and G-d bless.

(29)
Anonymous,
August 10, 2009 2:20 AM

I will keep little Shimon in my prayers

Your story touches hearts. May your nephew have a complete recovery.

(28)
,
August 10, 2009 12:17 AM

Refuah Shaleima. May this incredibly inspiring article be a merit for the complete healing of Shimon. What is Shimon's full name and his mothers name?

(27)
Lorraine,
August 9, 2009 11:30 PM

May G-d Bless your family

From a mother who has watched G-d work miracles in her own children--I will be praying for Shimon, and keeping you and your family in my heart.

(26)
richard reiser,
August 9, 2009 11:11 PM

We are surrounded by miracles.

May the miracle of life surround your nephew.

(25)
Rachel,
August 9, 2009 10:22 PM

My prayers are with you

I join you in praying for your precious nephew. He is so lucky to be so very loved. I am 22 years old and am going in to the doctor in two weeks about lumps I have on my neck. I have been worrying, thinking the worst. But, your story has inspired me. You have chosen to think positive and trust The Almighty. Thank you for sharing that. And please, if you can, say a little prayer for me too.
Bless your nephew, that he may be healed and recover well.

(24)
Jonas,
August 9, 2009 9:54 PM

I too had a brain tumor 4 years ago and know it can be tough. I will be keeping your nephew in my thoughts as he goes through his surgery tomorrow.

(23)
Anat Nijinsky,
August 9, 2009 9:54 PM

Thank You!

Your article really make me think about my C.P as a great miracle, and realize that our universe has a master who spins everything from above!
I will pray for your nephew's recovery and for all your family! NOTHING is impossible for Hashem!!! so keep up with the praying!!
Many blessings upon you

(22)
Anonymous,
August 9, 2009 9:40 PM

We know the Supreme Healer

I'm praying with you.

(21)
Marion Holcomb,
August 9, 2009 9:33 PM

affirmation

When my husband was killed suddenly 3 yrs ago, Hashem did the same for me: everytime I was "down" He sent or told me of others who were going thru even worse events and I was able to be of comfort or to pray for them. Our G-d is so good, so faithful, even carries us when times are so hard.

(20)
Mrs L. Phillips,
August 9, 2009 9:23 PM

I am so sorry to read about your little nephew, Shimon. My husband had severe headaches when he was about 40 which got worse and worse. He was eventually diagnosed with a brain tumour seven years ago, when he was 42. He has had extensive brain surgery at Hope Hospital, Manchester, and despite the the fact that we very nearly lost him, he has survived and made a good recovery. After spending over 15 months in hospital and a rehabilitation unit, 95% of the tumour has now been successfully removed. Though the entire situation has been very difficult we have good friends, and live within a wonderful, supportive community (North Manchester), where help has been at hand when we have needed it. I pray that you will be a constant source of support and strength to your brother and sister in law, because they will really need it.

(19)
Gemma,
August 9, 2009 8:34 PM

Refuah Sheleima. This article was so inspiring. Thank you

(18)
Anonymous,
August 9, 2009 6:16 PM

Tumors Are "Miracles"?

If "miracles" are supposed to be supernatural events, and since tumors occur in the natural world, then it makes no sense to call them "miracles." Putting that aside, though, why would we want to call an illness that threatens the life of a little boy and has caused unspeakable suffering to his family, a "miracle"? What "good" can we possibly find in this situation? If God wants to work a miracle, then I respectfully suggest that He devote His time and efforts to making Shimon well, and not the other way around.

(17)
Anonymous,
August 9, 2009 6:05 PM

Refuah shelemah.
What is Shimon's full Hebrew name (to pray for).
May the surgery go well, be uncomplicated, and may Shimon a have a complete and speedy recovery.

(16)
Anonymous,
August 9, 2009 5:37 PM

My heart goes out to Shimon and his family. But what about all the Shimons in this world whose family and friends' prayers fell on deaf ears? What can we say to them about "miracles" that will make any sense? We all like to think that Ha Shem is all-Good and all-Powerful. And of course, if He were all-Powerful then He could cure Shimon, and if He were all-Good then He'd want to. Does He really need to hear our prayers to induce Him to act on Shimon's behalf? Wouldn't He want to, anyway? And what about all the sick in this world who, unlike Shimon, have no one to pray for them? Don't they deserve a miracle from God, too? The fact is that regardless of how many psalms are read, Shimon's fate most likely rests in the skilled hands of his physicians, so please join me in praying for their success in removing this boy's tumor and wishing Shimon a speedy and complete recovery from this terrible affliction.

(15)
ahuva,
August 9, 2009 4:57 PM

Tumors as miracle???

I can appreciate your need to have your mind taken off the seriousness of the issue by others' asking you for advice. I can appreciate all the good that may come from people saying Tehillim. All the "good thngs" that are sugested that have come about due to the chilld's brain tumor is one way at looking at things. It apparently serves YOUR need as a mere bystander to your nephew's tzuris. These postive acts should be done NOT because a child is sufferiing but in spite of the fact..these deeds should be done before a tragedy happens... If tzedaka, tehillim, and the like were offered daily BECAUSE you're loved one was NOT suffering...that seems to me to be much more effective and worthy prayer than trying to play catch up once a need arises. While as a realtive you fel for the child and for the mother...the likelihood of that mother finding a miracle in people asking her advice at such a time I think she would find unfathomable.
We are all a part of nature and dnature has the ability to self destruct as in tornadoes, tsunamis and brain tumors. The fact that the sub rises every morning is not the miracle...miracles are unexpected events. If the sun DIDN"T rise tomorrow morning...now that would be something to consider! Though you may have found solace in having your mind taken off the child's tumor by being preoccupied with other things...it is in my opinion sad to detract from the seriousness of the child's potential prognosis to call the tumor a miracle. How would a mother feel hearing that? My heart would feel such pain and I would cry in sadness!

(14)
atara,
August 9, 2009 3:29 PM

My prayers are the family and your nephue
REPHUA SHLEMA

(13)
Anonymous,
August 9, 2009 2:51 PM

refuah shelama

Refuah shelema. This strikes close to home-this past April, a cousin's son was diagnosed with a liver tumor. I will pray for him-what is his name?

(12)
,
August 9, 2009 2:34 PM

refuah sh'lama

(11)
Yossi,
August 9, 2009 1:54 PM

I will be praying

(10)
Anonymous,
August 9, 2009 1:51 PM

Possible helpful suggestions

I will pray for your little nephew's complete healing, and for healing for the 18 year old woman mentioned by one of the letter writers. I read recently that a person's acid/alkaline levels must be kept in balance. An imbalance of either one may allow tumors to grow. See a book called "The Doctor Who Cures Cancer" about the late Dr. Emanuel Revici, written by William Kelley Eidem, who healed himself of cancer using the protocols he learned. Please check Kelley Eidem's article on thehub.com, where he outlines the protocol he used. I wish a complete healing for all who need it.

(9)
sarah,
August 9, 2009 12:15 PM

I will be davening for your nephew

(8)
Cesar,
August 9, 2009 12:14 PM

I pray for Shimon

I join your prayers.
Thank you for your article. A poem to God, a fresh inspiration in middle of a storm...
Blessings on you

(7)
Yaakov Novograd,
August 9, 2009 12:01 PM

Thank you for sharing this touching and beautiful article with Shimon's extended family ... klal yisroel. Please let us know how Shimon ben Batsheva progresses as we all continue davening.

(6)
morfoula,
August 9, 2009 11:49 AM

My thoughts and prayers are with you

G_d is Almighty and a miracle working G_d,, nothing is impossible for him!! , He is the same yesterday, today, and forever , and he will protect your little nephew and guide the surgeons hands,, and give you all THE STRENGTH and peace you need to trust him.

(5)
ruth housman,
August 9, 2009 11:27 AM

within the pain

The window, the pane, that makes one see out in different ways, even in such difficult times. This is hard, and yet, the author perceives the majesty that is inherent in all creation. And I can say, and I will say, that in this piece there HAS to be a totally deterministic element that is hard to escape. So when we talk about this issue, think about it, something most people don't do. And I am saying this because there's another article today about the issue of freedom and determinism. Who is the ultimate POTTER, at that wheel, that shapes us all? And is life also, that wheel that circles, also for wheal, meaning who among us does not suffer? This does not mitigate or excuse us, or anyone from kindness, from love, and from the need to succor and love. And yes, we do suffer. On the other hand, somehow, within all suffering, there is this thread, that does bring us together, even as other threads break but I am saying this story must be about LOVE itself.
I pray for this child's recovery! And I could never say to any parent, this is meant to be. Life is so much about the paradox of living and it's painful sometimes to be on the edge of that paradox.

(4)
Anonymous,
August 9, 2009 10:58 AM

Thank you for this inspiration

Your insights help so much to handle the pain and lift the burden to be a connection to HaShem, as intended.

(3)
Cathy Dyer,
August 9, 2009 10:40 AM

Don't always know what the lesson is

A brain tumor was discovered in a friend's child's brain when she was 2 years old. The life saving surgery resulted in her lifelong blindness and a loss of mental capacity which means she will never be able to care for herself (she needs assistance going to the bathroom, changing her clothes, brushing her teeth...). She is 18 years old now. The medical bills have financially devastated the family. Her parents' ability to work is severly hampered by the needs of this child. I hope the outcome is different for your nephew, but if it isn't, the family must be prepared to cope with the situation without guilt and while maintaining your faith that there is some good outcome to be acknowledged - even if it is not the miraculous healing you are praying for.

(2)
Anonymous,
August 9, 2009 10:33 AM

Been there

Your story moves me deeply.
Just over a year ago, at the beginning of June 2008, our son had a brain tumor removed at Dana Children's hospital in Tel Aviv. Today he is completely healthy without ill effects. Because he was in a serious traffic accident, we discovered the large tumor before there were any symptoms. The accident was a gift. Yes, brain tumors are miracles. We will pray for your nephew that he should have a complete recovery. Please see our blog that we started after the tumor was discovered at: http://chayimzvi.wordpress.com/

(1)
Anonymous,
August 9, 2009 8:52 AM

I will pray for your nephew. In times of tragedy, the lessons that Hashem can teach us are numerous, no matter what the outcome is. Take pleasure in your health, continue to pray, thank Hashem for all that He gives you, and be there for your family. May the Almighty bless you and keep you.